Revel Archive

Today we visited the research centre in the Main University Library to investigate a collection of ‘Revel’ party invitations from the archives. We also watched a short silent film on one recording of a Revel party. The Revel Christmas party has happened once a year for the Edinburgh College of Art since the 1920’s and each year students collaborate to create an invitation. This was extremely interesting as they were set out chronologically so you can see the change in designs clearly. The first few were traditional however it then progressed to more decorative and thought out designs. This was when the students were allowed to take over.

The short film was interesting although also disappointing. The much more naïve and playful behaviour displayed made me question what had changed. Whilst looking at our expressions, and my own, we were confused as to why they were doing the things they were doing for entertainment. Another thing that didn't help with this gutted feeling is that the invites now are simply slips of paper. Yes we still get the opportunity to design the flyer however the invitations had always been just as special. It’s like our society don’t get excited over singular events such as this anymore. There are bigger and better things to do and a party isn’t a party without sharing it with everyone online. Watching the film made me wonder where the magic had gone. Admittedly I love traditional things so perhaps that’s why I feel like this. It’s like when people have short hair, they want long hair, when people have long hair, and they want short hair. I have yet to attend a Revel party so maybe I’m being a bit hasty. 

Nonetheless the flyers and invites were all beautiful in their own rights, they were extremely interesting to look through. Also looking at the fashion from the photo's made me think about the lectures I had had previously.